I was born in the UK. I love stuffed animals. I don't eat real ones. I don't pursue my ambitions. I'm learning Japanese. I want to be surrounded by pretty things, all the time. I don't like my nose. I travel whenever I can - my favorite cities are Tokyo, Paris, Buenos Aires, and Shanghai. My absolute favorite designer is Alber Elbaz for Lanvin (everything he touches turns to gold!).
I am a hoarder of many things: clothes, mementos of my childhood, and images of all the beautiful things I love. Most of them, I hoard through my TUMBLR, but others I get from stalking other people's blogs or TFS. I decided to upload some of these gorgeous yet random images, because I find many of them really inspiring.
Last week, one of my absolute favorite designers debuted at the Haute Couture shows in Paris. Giambattista Valli's work has always held a sacred place in my heart: his clothes, which drip with such beauty and perfection, are always favorites among the plethora of ensembles that walk down the runways during each season. His clothes are chic and charming, and I seem to never tire of his design aesthetic. This first collection for Haute Couture is simply amazing; I was in love by the third look. I would adore having any of these pieces hanging in my closet (alas, I wonder if any article of clothing purchased at H&M will be able to capture the same beauty as these clothes possess!). I can't wait to see how his couture shows develop from here on out!
It comes as no surprise that, with the closing of the couture shows in Paris, that fashion's elite would elect to have some fun at opulently themed parties - and Vodianova's White Fairy Tale Ball is exactly what you would expect from fashion's in-crowd. With the likes of Roberto Tisci, Anna della Russo, Valentino, and of course Natalia herself, in attendance, the party was filled with some pretty lovely people! Guests were asked to wear white or silver (Vodianova, as the hostess, wore brilliant red Valentino). Anne Hathaway was completely stunning in her Valentino gown, and Olivia Polermo looked fantastic as well. My only question: why wasn't I invited? Maybe next year!
"PORTRAIT OF A LADY" by Rogier Van Der Weyden (c. 1460, oil on panel): One of my favorite paintings, ever. There is something this painting possesses that I simply can't quite put my finger on, but it is brilliant. For my last birthday I had my parents get me a good replica made, and now it is framed and in my room (proof of my adoration!). I'm a big fan of Dutch paintings, and this one tops that list.
"CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL" by Carvaggio (1600, oil on cyprus wood): I always quite liked the Baroque period in art history - something about the dark colors and violent imagery lends to an interesting painting! Part of Carvaggio's appeal to me is his biography (the man walked around with a sword and ended up spending his life on the run after killing someone), but this painting is such an amazing piece of work.
"THE GRAND ODALISQUE" by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Inges (1780, oil on canvas): The woman in this painting may have quite obviously freakish proportions, but the glow and colors of this painting are absolutely lovely. I always approach art from an aesthetic point of view (I don't know anything about art except whether or not it pleases my eye!), and this image has always been very attractive to me.
